South African Literature
This page covers South African literature. McKee Library's collection includes numerous titles by South African authors. We have included a selection of these titles in our reading list, linked below.
- South African LiteratureA South African literature reading list. This is not an exhaustive list, rather a list of titles available in McKee Library's collection.
Research and Reference
- South African Literature: BritannicaA Britannica entry about South African literature and writers.
- South African Literature: Credo ReferenceA Credo Reference landing page on South African literature. This page includes links to reference works, library resources, and a concept map.
Streaming Media
- On Being a Liberal White South African: Nadine GordimerBorn and raised in South Africa, Nadine Gordimer is one of her country’s most prolific writers. In her novels, short stories, and essays, she confronts the turbulent political reality of South Africa as it engulfs the people who live there. In this program with Bill Moyers, Gordimer discusses growing up as a white South African under apartheid, the causes of the tensions and violence between blacks in South Africa, and her views on the future of South Africa. Says Gordimer on the effects of apartheid: "These habits become engrained ... I think there is a great deal of unlearning to be done in South Africa."
Perspectives & Author's Works
Dare Not Linger
The long-awaited second volume of Nelson Mandela's memoirs, left unfinished at his death and never before available, are here completed and expanded with notes and speeches written by Mandela during his historic presidency, making for a moving sequel to his worldwide bestseller Long Walk to Freedom. "I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended." In 1994, Nelson Mandela became the first president of a democratic South Africa. From the outset, he was committed to serving only a single five-year term. During his presidency, he and his government ensured that all of South Africa's citizens became equal before the law, and he laid the foundation for turning a country riven by centuries of colonialism and apartheid into a fully functioning democracy. Dare Not Linger is the story of Mandela's presidential years, drawing heavily on the memoir he began to write as he prepared to leave office, but was unable to finish. Now the acclaimed South African writer Mandla Langa has completed the task, using Mandela's unfinished draft, detailed notes that Mandela made as events were unfolding, and a wealth of unseen archival material. With a prologue by Mandela's widow, Graça Machel, the result is a vivid and often inspirational account of Mandela's presidency and the creation of a new democracy. It tells the story of a country in transition and the challenges Mandela faced as he strove to make his vision for a liberated South Africa a reality.
Call Me Woman
Call Me Woman is the autobiography of Ellen Kuzwayo, a black South African woman whose life as a social worker, woman's rights activist, politician, and more was woven in political history of South Africa for almost 60 years. Kuzwayo 's autobiography documents a complex series of changes in herself and her culture, including the onset and devastation of apartheid. Ms. Kuzwayo was the first black person to win South Africa's premier literary prize, the CNS Literary Award. Call Me Woman is among that small group of books that have entered directly into my consciousness and changed my frame of reference. --The San Francisco Chronicle This book is true testimony from a wonderful woman. For myself, she is one of those people who give me faith in the new and different South Africa they will create. --Nadine Gordimer
Too Late the Phalarope
Ride up front with some of the world's toughest, highly trained men and women on duty around the world today. From battlefield frontlines to crime hotspots, Action Force brings together the people, weapons, vehicles, the stats, and the facts in one all-action series. You want action packed? Read Action Force! The three services Army, Navy, and Air Force Working as a team Gym and assault course training Emergency aid supply Reservists Vehicles, ships, and aircraft Weapons systems Special missions Book jacket.
Long Walk to Freedom
A moving account of Mandela's life from his childhood to his inauguration as president of South Africa in May 1994. Awards: BL Editors' Choice.